Field Trips which took place in 2009

Sat. May 30th 09: Berwick Town Shoreline.  Leader - Dr. Ken Patterson.
             About 12 people made a traverse along the shore examining Lower Carboniferous rocks of the Middle Limestone Group within the Tweed Basin, from the Meadow Haven Fault to the Green's Haven Fault to the north. This stretch of coastline illustrates some spectacular examples of structural geology in a relatively small area, namely a series of domes, e.g. Ladies Skerrs dome,  basins (Bucket Rocks)  and faults. The cliff exposure of the Green's Haven Fault (click here for a photo) was especially remarkable with regard to the contrast between the well bedded shales on the downthrow side and the massive sandstone on the upthrow. The shales adjacent to the fault plane were upturned, clearly indicating which side was the downthrow. All the aforementioned structures owe their origin mainly to Carboniferous crustal extension (back-arc extension?) and pre-Carboniferous geography.
            Interesting sedimentary structures and rock successions typical of Yoredale cyclothems were also demonstrated. At least two localities displayed a typical cyclothem of limestone, mudstone/siltstone, sandstone, seatearth (often stained yellow by the mineral jarosite) and a thin coal. Typical fossils were also discovered (corals such as Lithostrotion sp., Dibunophyllum, brachiopods and bivalves). Abundant examples of the trace fossil, Zoophycos with its typical horizontal swirling pattern were seen and discussed as to their origin. They are thought to be the feeding burrow systems of a worm-like organism.
Many thanks to Ken for making it such an enjoyable day. (Back to Field Trips page.)

Sun. June 28th 09: Burniston Dinosaur Footprint Beds: Leader: Dr. Martin Whyte, Sheffield University.
 Our membership secretary has made a more comprehensive report which can be accessed HERE.  A party of 10 members met at 10.30 am at Grid Ref. TA0255 9360 (Crookness), i.e. near end of the minor road which goes northeast  then south east from "The Jolly Sailors Pub" in Burniston. The small road is called 'Rocks Lane' and is sign-posted as that by the pub. We then proceeded to Burniston steps which lead to the shore. Immediately to the north of the steps is the well known Burniston Footprint Bed forming an overhang towards the top of the cliff. Fallen blocks from the Bed displayed tridactyl foot prints as well as trace fossils. The party proceeded towards Cromer Point. During the traverse, a series of offset sandstone/siltstone beds dipping in a curvilinear direction were observed. They are interpreted as lateral accretion (point bar) deposits formed on the inside bends of migrating river channels.
              As the party made its way northwards a complex of channel sandstones and lateral accretion deposits, some superimposed on each other, were observed. A loose block, no doubt from one of the beds of dark carbonaceous clay, was seen to contain a mass of spherules which consisted of sphaerosiderite. Carbonaceous clay showing intense sideritisation indicates a palaeosol horizon, i.e. a "fossil soil" which formed a swamp like environment. Towards Cromer Point, metre long scour channels (gutters) were observed in sandstone on the underside of a cliff overhang. They are thought to have been formed by a tidal surge during a brief marine episode. Perhaps one of the highlights of the day was examining a huge print of a sauropod protruding from a the cliff near Long Nab. Our leader also pointed out other interesting sedimentary features, some of them enigmatic. For some photo's, click here. Thin sections of the carbonaceous siderite clay were made. Click here to view them.     (Back to Field Trips page.) Many thanks to Martin for making it such an enjoyable day.

Sat. July 25th 09: Title: "Hot and even Hotter!" A new look at the Whin Sill intrusion. Recent research on the Low/High Force area. Leader: Dr. Stuart Jones.
              For a full report by our Membership Secretary, click here. A party of about 10 members and friends met at Bowlees car park. From here the party proceeded to Low Force where Dr. Stuart Jones demonstrated the contact between Carboniferous sandstone and the underlying Whin Sill. A series of horizontal drill cores at measured distances from the contact had been made in order to determine the effect thermal contact with the Whin Sill had had on the porosity and permeability  of the overlying sandstone.
              The party then proceeded to the Whin Sill "raft" near Wynch Bridge where Dr. Jones demonstrated how drill cores had been made on sandstones below the Whin Sill, (sub-igneous profiling). Similar results had been obtained. Interestingly, one of the horizontal cores had cut into the actual whin sill-sandstone contact which was well seen.
              The research concluded that porosity and permeability was reduced only by about 40cm from the contact due to the introduction of clay minerals (illite and/or kaolinite) derived from altered feldspars from within the igneous intrusion. This research would be of relevance when prospecting for potential hydrocarbon reservoir rocks since igneous intrusions are clearly indicated on seismographs. Therefore it is advisable not to sink boreholes near igneous intrusions.
                After thanking Dr. Jones for such an interesting day, some of the party proceeded to High Force where similar research had been carried out.  For some photo's, click here.

Sun. Aug. 9th 09: The Permian back-reef / reef transition and Quaternary. Leader: Dr. Eric Johnson.
             For a full report by our Membership Secretary, click here.A party of 15 members and friends met at the Natural England Castle Eden Dene Information Centre - Oakerside Lodge [NZ 427 393] off Stanhope Chase, Peterlee at 11.00am. From here the party proceeded into Castle Eden Dene, a steep sided pre-glacial valley re-excavated by melt waters at the end of the last ice age. The first stop was at Gunners Pool Bridge which crosses a very narrow and deep gorge cut by the Castle Eden Burn. The straight course of the Burn in this locality follows the course of an east-west trending fault, downthrow to the south, which cuts into the rocks of the Ford Formation, bedded dolomite back-reef facies, (formerly Middle Magnesian Limestone). Vertical fractures within the line of the fault were observed. Reef facies exposures were then examined at "The Devil's Lapstone", and "The Kissing Frogs" fallen blocks of magnesian limestone. All displayed a typical massive unbedded reef structure. Faint traces of possible fossils were observed.
          Recent landslips were also observed during the traverse, evidence of which was either a lack of or a difference in vegetation. Lunch was taken in a dry stream bed where erratics of fossiliferous Carboniferous Limestone, ?Whin Sill quartz dolerite and ?Cheviot granite were examined.
          The party then drove to Shippersea Bay to examine the "Easington Raised Beach", (NZ4434 4537). With care, some descended the cliff to the exposure. A calcreted gravel interspersed with lenses of finer consolidated sand, lying on a Magnesian Limestone rock platform at about 32m above sea level was observed. The gravels were seen to contain an abundant modern-type marine shell fauna. According to Smith & Francis, 1967, a radiocarbon minimum age estimate of 38,000 years BP was  obtained. According to Bowen and Sykes,1988 and Bowen et al., 1991, tests indicated an oxygen isotope stage 7, i.e. about 200,000 years BP, (a temperate stage known as the "Ilfordian"). A.G.Lunn states that this presents a problem in so far as sea level 200,000 BP should have been about the same as today. Lunn, in A.G. Lunn, Robson's Geology of North East England, ed. G.A.L. Johnson, Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Northumbria Vol.56 pt.5, 1995, states "the altitude of the raised beach presents a difficulty in that interglacial global ice volumes, and therefore glacio-eustatic sea levels, should have been much as now; the beach may perhaps have formed before complete isostatic recovery of the land after a previous glaciation."
           The party then made their way along the coastal path back to the car park where the leader was thanked for a very interesting and informative day. For some photo's, click here.

Sun. Sep. 6th 09:Title: "A fluvial conundrum- Pinglehole Syke plus the development of the Silurian - Devonian - Carboniferous geological activity of Saughtree, Roxburgh" Leader: Gordon Liddle
           A party of seven members and guests met on a rather grey morning at the side of the B6357 at NY 556962 some 1 mile SW of Saughtree village in Liddlesdale. After walking a few hundred yards up the side of Pinglehole Sike, a fine view was had of the surrounding countryside and Liddel Water coursing south west through Liddlesdale, a former wide glacial drainage channel. The party progressed uphill, noting the southward coursing deeply incised channel of Pinglehole Sike with zigzaging alternating spurs cut into a succession of Lower Carboniferous thin limestones and shales dipping gently in an easterly direction. No doubt the alternating spurs were due to the stream encountering the differing resistance of harder limestones and softer shales. The leader pointed out evidence of a cycle of erosion, a model for stream erosion and landscape development proposed by Davis in the 19th C. defining a young, mature, and old sequence in the development of a river valley. The model, as the leader emphasised, has to some extent been heavily modified by developments during the plate tectonics revolution in the 1960’s and 70’s.
         The party then proceeded in a northwesterly direction to an old railway cutting (Palmer‘s Hill Cutting), examining, en route, local erratics of limestones, shales, vesicular volcanic rocks and Devonian sandstones. Springs emanating from adjacent to the cutting made the ground very soft and muddy. However, the difficult walking was rewarded by a spectacular unconformity exposed to the north of the cutting where a series of alternating steeply dipping and folded shales and greywackes underlying near horizontal Devonian rocks were observed. The leader remarked on the huge forces which caused the folding and the enormous time gap which existed between the deposition, deformation and erosion of the Silurian sediments and the emplacement of the near horizontal Devonian rocks.  Flute casts at the base of some of the Silurian beds were examined from which the original current direction could be determined.
           A return was then made to Pinglehole Sike proceeding downstream close to the channel where various features of a stream or river were examined, e.g. imbricate structures and ways in which bedloads are transported. As the stream approached more level land it was noticed how a meander developed through alluvial floodplain deposits. A former oxbow lake, now infilled, as well as levee deposits were also noted.
            On reaching the transport, our leader was thanked for a very interesting, informative and enjoyable day. 
Please click here for photographs of the field trip.

Field Trips which took place in 2008

May 31st. 2008  Geology and Industrial Archaeology of Roseberry Topping
As a contribution to Yorkshire Geology Month the Tees Valley RIGS Group is organising a field excursion to Roseberry Topping on Saturday, May 31st. Tees Valley RIGS group has produced a geotrail covering this interesting area. It can be accessed on its website http://tvrigs.org.ukMembers of NEGS are cordially invited to attend. Meet at Roseberry Topping car park (Grid Ref NZ 570 128) at 10.30 am. Leaders: Dr. Denis Goldring and John Waring.

June: 8th 2008:  Scremerston area. COCKLAWBURN near Berwick. Leaders - Bill Scott and Andy Lane, University of Sunderland. It is intended to re-examine the coastal section between Cargie' Plantation and Spittal. Meet at 10.45am. at the coast on the minor road out of Scremerston, south of Berwick. Grid. Ref. 026 486, (OS Map 75) (bring lunch and suitable footwear)

July 13th 2008 "Fire and Ice." Meet at car park (NZ 804 053) near St. Hedda's Church, Egton Bridge at 10.30 am. Leader: John Waring.
Aims of the field meeting:
1. To study the Cleveland Dyke, a basaltic andesite, its age, composition and mode of emplacement.
2. To gain an overview of some of the effects of the last glaciation (Devensian) on the North York Moors. The meeting will involve visiting several localities, including Goathland, and travel will be by cars. Two of the localities to be visited will involve walking distances of not more than half a mile. WC's: Postgate Inn at Egton Bridge, and Goathland. Packed lunch, or eateries in Goathland. Download handout out for the trip here. Handout can be viewed here (3mb)

Sep. 21st.2008 GEOLOGY OF SOUTH DURHAM, from the equator to the polar ice cap. Leader Eric Johnson (retired BGS geologist). The group will look at vertical and lateral variations in the Permian succession on the western margin of the Zechstein basin in a traverse from Coxhoe to Blackball Rocks. Features of the last late Devensian glaciation will be seen. Excursion by car, please share if possible. Meet at 9.30am. at Coxhoe Quarry entrance (Grid. Ref. NZ 327 350) Boots, hard hats and high visibility jackets will be required for the quarry visit, then short walks from the cars will be involved including a circular in Castle Eden Dene. (picnic lunch and drinks; finish at about 16.30 at Blackball rocks.) Contact Eric on 0191 4169349

Oct. 12th 2008: A TEESDALE CIRCULAR. Leader: Brian Young.  Approximately 4miles of walking and talking. Met at 11.00am at Bowlees car park, Grid. Ref. NY912 280. The route is planned to cross Winch Bridge to examine the Whin Sill, contact alteration, mineralisation and to head for the Strathmore Arms, Holwick. Contact Brian on 01434 682220, (picnic lunch, pub stop may be possible).

Field Trips which took place in 2007

Saturday 21st July  HARBOTTLE AREA, NORTHMBERLAND
Leaders - David Lawrence and Sarah Arkley,  British Geological Survey (BGS), Edinburgh
An opportunity to hear about recent collaboration between BGS and Northumberland National Park to produce a Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan for the National Park, and to examine that geodiversity associated with the Fell Sandstone Formation in the Harbottle area. Meet at car park below Harbottle Crags [NT926 049] at 2 pm.  The walk will involve the ascent of about 100 m within a total walking distance of about 3 km.
David Lawrence has sent some photo's which can be viewed by clicking here.

Sunday 19th August COCKLAWBURN near Berwick. Leaders - Bill Scott and Andy lane, University of Sunderland. It is intended to re-examine the coastal section between Cargie' Plantation and Spittal.
Meet at 10.45 a.m. at the coast on the minor road out of Scremerston, south of Berwick, Grid Ref. 026 486, (OS Map 75)

Sunday 2nd September  COALCLEUGH AND EAST ALLENDALE   Leader - Stuart Clarke, British Geological Survey, Edinburgh.
A chance to visit some of the Carboniferous rocks of the upper East Allen Valley and to hear about new ideas coming from the current BGS mapping of the northern Pennines.
Meet at 10.30 am at the old mine 'shop' about 1 km S of Carrshield [NY804 468].  Walking distance about 6 km over moorland tracks. 

October 7th  HADRIAN'S WALL AND HALTWHISTLE BURN  Leader - Brian Young, Hon. Research Fellow, University of Durham. A cross-country walk to view the role of Carboniferous rocks, the Whin Sill and Quaternary sediments in forming this distinctive landscape.  The walk will include a spectacular section of Hadrian's Wall and a traverse of the beautiful Haltwhistle Burn.
Meet at 10.30 am at the public car park near the old pipe works at Haltwhistle [NY708 646].  Walking distance will be about 8 km along mainly good footpaths.

2003
6th April 2003 - - - "Evidence from the Ice Age at Whitburn". An easy coastal walk along spectacular exposures of Devensian glacigenic deposits at Whitburn, South Tyneside.
                The trip acted as a general introduction to identifying glacial deposits in the field.  Waterlain deposits occur between multiple Lodgement Tills (boulder clays). 
                 An opportunity was given to examine the effects of over-riding by glacial ice on glacial deposits, and explore some of the mysteries of deformation.  By the end of the day there was some understanding of the story of 'Ice Age' Northumberland.
                Met at 11.00 am in the car park (Grid Ref: NZ 408 614)  Leader: Dr Derek Teasdale

                 1st June 2003 - 'Sedimentation around the Bowlees area, Teesdale' - Meeting point Bowlees picnic area car park, Teesdale, 12pm. This trip examined the sediments and cycles within this classic section. Leader: Dr. Trevor Morse

               22nd June 2003 - 'Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary rocks and Mineralisation, with their Associated Topography in Upper Teesdale' - Meeting point  Cow Green Nature Trail car park (NY811 309) 10:00am - The trip examined the Cronkley Scar area including the Whin Sill igneous intrusion into Carboniferous limestone with associated topography, metamorphism and mineralisation. Handouts were available on the day. Leader: John Waring

             20th July 2003- 'Geology of Runswick Bay'. Met at 10:30am. Leader: Dr. Paul Wignall

            10th August 2003- 'A new look at mineralisation in the northern Pennines'. Meeting point was Killhope Museum 10:30am. Leader: Brian Young

            14th September 2003 - Sediments, sauropds along the Dinosaur coast - meeting point was pub in Staithes harbour (Cod & Lobster) at 10:30am; walk followed coastline from Staithes to Port Mulgrave, returning to Staithes along the cliff path. Leader: Dinosaur Coast Project Officer, Will Watts

2002
14th. July 2002: Howick, Northumberland. Carboniferous Yoredale cyclothems: leader Alistair Bowden. For more details click here

23rd.- 26th. Aug. 2002. "Earth Alert Festival of Geology" a major event organised by the Geologists' Association. It included Exhibitions, Lectures Field Walks and Activities for all the family. For more details, click here

2001
Saturday June 9th 2001: A traverse was made of the foreshore north of Sandsend near Whitby examining lithology & fossils of members of the Whitby Mudstone Formation (Jurassic), followed by a visit to the Whitby Museum where there is an excellent geological collection.
For details click here

A visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to examine building stones click here

Nov. 3rd. and 4th 2001: Geologists' Assoc. Reunion in Liverpool. For more information and pictures: click here

Full reports on the society's lectures and field excursions from  2000 to 2002 can be found if you click here